service Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Guide

Seats and stowage 132
Some seat settings for the Alhambra
Examples of how the seating layout can be altered.
Of course, the illustrations show only some of the many seat combinations
possible in the Alhambra. You can, for example, purchase corresponding
retainers for your bicycle from SEAT Service. That means you will be able to
protect your bicycles from both theft and the weather when transporting
them.Or you turn
30) the driver and front passenger seats 180° to use the Alhambra
as a conference room or breakfast room. Or you can easily remove the seats
in the third row
30) in order to travel with a lot of luggage.
WARNING
•Luggage and other items in the luggage or passenger compartment can
be thrown forward in a braking manoeuvre. Please ensure that these items
are secured properly.
•Do not release the backrest of a seat in the second row when folding a
seat in the third row of seats forwards. Serious injuries can occur if a back-
rest has not been properly engaged in position.
Fig. 97 Alhambra loaded
with luggage.
Fig. 98 Alhambra trans-
formed into conference
room
30)Optional equipment

Seats and stowage147
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Always fit the net partition carefully, observing the instructions. Risk of
injury.
•Heavy, pointed or sharp items which are not stowed securely can cause
injury in the event of sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents, even if the
net bag is correctly assembled.
•For reasons of safety, vehicle occupants must not travel behind a fitted
safety net.
Roof carrier
Safety notes on using the roof carrier
The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly
according to the instructions provided.
•Your vehicle has special roof rails on the right and left for fitting the
mounts. Therefore, standard roof carriers cannot be used.
•The mounts are the basis of a complete roof carrier system. Special
fixtures must then be added in order to safely transport luggage, bicycles,
skis, surf boards or boats on the roof. All these system components are avail-
able from SEAT Service. We recommend you use genuine SEAT roof carrier
systems. If you wish to use a different roof carrier, make sure that it can be
fitted securely to your vehicle and that it cannot damage your vehicle.
•We recommend that you keep the assembly instructions provided by the
roof carrier manufacturer in your vehicle wallet.
•Only the fitted retainers may be used to secure the carrier feet on vehicles
without a roof railing. These retainers are located underneath the plastic rain
channel between the markings.
•In vehicles with roof edging36), the basic supports can be fitted on the
edge making sure to adapt the distance between the supports to the objects
to be carried. On vehicles with a sliding/tilting roof
36), however, the front
carrier may not be fitted near the rear edge of the sliding/tilting roof when the
roof is open.
When should the roof carrier be removed?
•When it is not needed (to save fuel, reduce wind noise and avoid theft).
•Before cleaning in an automatic car wash.
WARNING
•If you do not use mounts approved by SEAT or fail to fit them according
to instructions, the load or the roof carrier itself may fall off the vehicle roof
and onto the street. Risk of accident or injury.
•The risk of an accident is increased by transporting heavy or bulky
loads on the roof, which affects the car's handling by shifting the centre of
gravity and increasing susceptibility to cross winds. Both circumstances
increase the risk of accident. Therefore you must adapt your driving style
and speed to the prevailing conditions - avoid sudden braking or driving
manoeuvres when there is a load on the roof carrier.
•The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly according to
the instructions provided.
Caution
•Check all bolted connections and fastenings for the roof carrier system
before every trip. If necessary, tighten bolted connections and check the
system at regular, appropriate intervals, e.g. at each stop during a long trip.
•The height of your vehicle is changed by the installation of the roof carrier
and the load secured on it. Bear this in mind when driving through garage
doors or low underpasses – there is danger of damage to the vehicle.
36)Optional equipment

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning157
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Air vents in the roof
In vehicles with a second cooling system
39) for ventilating the passenger
compartment, an air outlet is fitted in the roof above each rear seat
Ÿfig. 122.
The air outlets in the roof can be opened and closed individually and
adjusted by moving the grid.
Each air outlet has two thumb wheels. The left thumb wheel can be used to
open and close the air outlet. The right thumb wheel can be used to direct the
air towards the head and chest.
WARNING
Never leave objects, food or medicines in front of the air outlets in the rear
seats. The hot air could damage or destroy heat-sensitive objects, food or
medicines.
Caution
Do not use the area in front of the outlets to store objects. This could cause
the blower to overheat and switch off. The blower could also be damaged.
Note
In the cooling mode, at least one air outlet in the roof must be open. The
cooling system could otherwise ice over.
General notes
The pollen filter
The pollution filter serves as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air
(e.g. dust and pollen).
For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than
stated in the Service Schedule.
Instructions for use
If the air conditioning or Climatronic
40) is not switched on for a long period,
deposits on the evaporator can cause unpleasant smells. To prevent these
odours, the cooling system should be run at the highest blower setting at
least once a month when temperatures are over +5°C. Briefly open a window
at the same time.
Faults in the operation of the air conditioning
There is a fault if the all the symbols in the Climatronic flash for approx. 15
seconds when the ignition is switched on. Contact a specialist workshop.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons:
•the engine is not running.
•The blower is switched off.
•The outside temperature is lower than +5°C.
•the cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
39)Optional equipment40)Optional equipment

Driving 160
•Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone Ÿpage 159,
fig. 124. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
Safety
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) contains the electronic differ-
ential lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP works
together with the anti-locking brake system (ABS). Both warning lamps will
light up if the ESP or ABS systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button Ÿfig. 125 .
For example:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 125 Section of the
dash panel: switch for ESP
%30

Driving and the environment185
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving and the environment
Running-in
Running in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.
Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil
consumption reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.
During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with
brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
•New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and need running in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 km.
•New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, you can compensate for the
slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on the brake
pedal.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by SEAT
Service more frequently than recommended in the service schedule.

Driving and the environment 188
Driving abroad
Notes
For driving abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:
•For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is
available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded
fuel.
•In some countries it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-
tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service
Centre may only carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance
and repair possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlights
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight
lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service
Centre.
Trailer towing
What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?
The vehicle can, if suitably equipped, be used to tow a trailer or caravan.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket Ÿpage 204.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from SEAT Service
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights. If you do not load the
trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb corre-
spondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). Where possible, operate the trailer
with the maximum permitted draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing
bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate
of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures
for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and “Technical data”.

Driving and the environment189
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Gross combination weight
The gross combination weight is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer . If the maximum permissible trailer
weight is to be utilized, the weight of the vehicle may have to be reduced.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permitted pressure shown on the sticker on
the inside of the tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in accord-
ance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Headlight adjustment
If towing a trailer the dipped light may dazzle other drivers. Use the headlight
range control to lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range
control, have the headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership.
WARNING
•Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
•To avoid dazzling other drivers, adjust the dipped beam according to
the load. If not, an accident may occur.
•If using 225/45 R 17 94 W tyres for 7J x 17 wheels it is not permitted to
tow a trailer.
Note
•Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket
The removable ball coupling of the towing bracket is stored
with the tools on board behind the right-hand side trim of the
luggage compartment.
It is necessary to first tense the towing bracket removing the ball
coupling
Fig. 135 Location of
towing bracket

Driving and the environment191
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant.
Electronic Stabilisation Program
Do not switch off the ESP when towing a trailer. The ESP makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the
environment
General notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:
•Personal driving style
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Think ahead when driving
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Regular servicing
By taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a
great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 km.

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
General notes
Regular washing and care help maintain the value of your
vehicle.
Regular care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the
event of corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to
wash and wax it frequently. The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-
pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt
and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they
do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight)
further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Car care products
Car care products are available from your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the
product instructions until you have used up the product.
WARNING
•Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept
closed in their original container. Keep out of children's reach. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
•Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours;
these should be used in well-ventilated areas.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. There is a fire / explo-
sion risk.
•Before you wash your vehicle, or carry out any maintenance, switch off
the engine, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the igni-
tion.
Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry.
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could damage the
paintwork or glass on your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty of
water.
For the sake of the environment
•When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are not
harmful to the environment.
•Left over car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary house-
hold waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.
WARNING (continued)

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle195
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
For the sake of the environment
In the interests of environmental protection, the car should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water
entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing vehicles anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!
– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner,
particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance.
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted
bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from
windows Ÿpage 196.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called “dirt blasters”
Ÿ.
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the
vehicle. “Dry ” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully
several times
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or cylindrical jet (“rotating
nozzle”). Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible
and invisible damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.
•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.
Caution
•Do not use water hotter than 60°C. This could damage the car.
•To avoid damage to the vehicle, maintain a sufficient distance from sensi-
tive materials for example: flexible hoses, plastic, sound proofing, etc. This is
especially important for bumpers painted in the same colour as the vehicle.
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
Waxing the car
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.
You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run
off the paintwork when it is clean.
Good quality hard wax is available from your Authorised Service Centre.
A good coat of wax helps to protects the paintwork from environmental
contaminants Ÿpage 193. It is also effective in protecting against minor
scratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advisable to
protect the paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.